Agencies & Partnerships Specialist - Operation Food Search

About Operation Food Search:

Founded in 1981, Operation Food Search is a hunger relief organization that provides food, nutrition education and innovative programs in order to reduce food insecurity and increase equitable access to food. We serve 200,000 people every month through a network of 330 partners in 25 counties in Missouri and Illinois. We use a combination of immediate food assistance and supportive services, while also working on long-term solutions and systemic changes to help solve the problem of hunger.

Our Mission is to heal hunger with innovative and collaborative solutions that provide food today and help create a hunger-free tomorrow.

Our Vision is a region where everyone has equitable access to the food they need to lead healthy lives.

Our Goals are to:

• Meet the immediate need for food for children, individuals, and families by providing high-quality nutrition through our distribution network.
• Empower long-term skills through nutrition education and by teaching how to shop and prepare healthy food on a budget.
• Champion change through advocacy, innovative programs and by addressing systemic inequities.

For more information about OFS, please visit our website at www.operationfoodsearch.org.

Position Summary:

The Agencies & Partnerships Specialist will serve as a frontline officer for new and unique partnerships with Community Food Partner Agencies. This role focuses on strengthening these relationships and supporting their evolving needs. The successful candidate will excel in relationship management and work closely with agencies' staff and volunteers.

Essential Functions:

Partnership Development:

• • • Cultivate and steward positive partnerships with Community Food Partner Agencies to understand the varied needs of different communities.
    • Collaborate with agencies and new partners to develop and execute thoughtful and innovative strategies for equitable access in their service areas and enhance efficiencies.

On-Site Engagement:

• • • Conduct regular in-person visits with agency staff and volunteers.
    • Draft regular communication for agencies to share best practices.
    • Meet metrics that include goals for visits and meaningful contacts, including travel across the 25-county region OFS serves.

Compliance and Standards:

• • • Ensure agencies meet guidelines for grant funding, food safety, and other program requirements.

Logistics Collaboration:

• • • Collaborate with Food Donations and Procurement colleagues to help facilitate logistics in food sourcing programs related to grocery retailers, manufacturers, third-party manufacturers, and farmers.

Internal and External Resource:

• • • Serve as a resource about agencies for internal and external audiences.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent experience. We value diverse educational backgrounds and life experiences.
• Experience in relationship management is an asset.
• Experience in the non-profit sector is preferred, particularly in food distribution or similar community services.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Proven experience in community outreach.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage with diverse communities.
• Ability to travel across a 25-county region.
• Knowledge of food safety and compliance standards is an asset.
• Proficiency in developing and executing community engagement strategies.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.

Special Requirements:

• Occasional overnight travel required for meetings, events, and conferences.
• Flexibility in working hours for occasional special events after-hours or weekend activities.
• Willingness to volunteer for other OFS duties that don't fall under regular job duties.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands:

• Sedentary inside office work with limited exposure to weather conditions.
• Driver's license needed for travel to agency partners.
• Ability to stand for extended periods of time, both indoors and outdoors.

Benefits - FT Positions

• Medical, dental and vision coverage
• HSA, HRA, and FSA
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Vacation and wellness time, paid holidays
• Short and long-term disability income
• Company-paid term life and AD&D insurance
• Voluntary employee-paid term life and AD&D insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Wellness support
• Potential for student loan forgiveness, if qualified

To Apply: Please submit your application and include your resume at https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/Details/2595305/Operation-Food-Search-Inc/Agencies-Partnerships-Specialist

Location: 1644 Lotsie Blvd., Overland, MO 63132

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status.